Manchester United Close to Signing Mexico Captain Rebeca Bernal in WSL First
Manchester United are close to signing Mexico captain Rebeca Bernal from Washington Spirit, a deal that would make her the first Mexican player to appear in the Women's Super League, England's top division of women's football.
Bernal, a 29-year-old who can play in the centre of defence or midfield, missed Washington Spirit's NWSL (National Women's Soccer League, the top flight in the United States) match against Bay FC on Sunday. The club described her absence as an "excused absence" — a detail that landed with added weight once Mexican football outlet All Fútbol MX reported that United were finalising the transfer (BBC Sport).
The move would bring a genuine international pedigree to Manchester. Bernal has 65 caps for Mexico and has scored seven times for her country. In 2023, she scored the winner in the Pan American Games final as Mexico beat Chile to claim the women's football title for the first time. She joined Washington Spirit from Mexican club CF Monterrey in February 2025, signing a three-year contract that runs through the 2027 season (Washington Spirit). During her time in the American capital, she made 41 appearances and won the 2025 NWSL Challenge Cup, the league's knockout competition.
United, under new manager Eva Olid, open their WSL campaign at London City Lionesses on Friday. Bernal is not the only fresh face arriving at the club this window. Defender Andrea Medina has joined from Atlético Madrid, goalkeeper Janina Leitzig has come in from Leicester City, and Sweden winger Monica Jusu Bah arrives from BK Häcken in Sweden. That quartet gives Olid options across the pitch before a ball is kicked in anger.
What makes this stand out is the trail it blazes. No Mexican woman has played in the WSL since the league's formation in 2011. Bernal, as captain of her national team and a defender comfortable on the ball, would arrive as more than a squad addition — she would carry the weight of being a first. For Mexican fans, it is a new league to follow. For English fans, it is a player they may not yet know but will quickly become familiar with if the deal crosses the line.
The transfer window does not close for some days yet, and until the paperwork is signed, nothing is certain. But the pieces are in place. United have been busy, Bernal has been given leave, and the BBC reports the deal is close. Sometimes the football world gives you a quiet Sunday and a loud Monday.
